Gerald Bryson Stirling passed away on October 29, 2018 after complications associated with a long illness. He was born in Rochester, PA, the only child of William K. Stirling and Helen Mecklem Stirling and the grandson of Lillian Frampton Mecklem and Joseph Mecklem and John McTaggart Stirling and Catherine Flesher Stirling. He is survived by his wife of more than thirty years, Barbara Poole Stirling. He is also survived by three children, Jeffrey Bryson Stirling (Cynthia) of Evans City, PA, Laura Stoof (James) of Wexford, PA and Douglas William Stirling (Cara) also of Wexford, PA; and three stepchildren, Robert W. Ashbaugh (Colleen) of North Carolina, James M. Ashbaugh (Tracy) of Mars, PA and Allison Balis (Wayne) of Colorado.
He is also survived by grandchildren, Nicholas Bryson Stirling, Michael Stirling, Leah Stoof, Andrew Stoof, Hannah Stoof, Alexa Stirling and William Stirling; and stepgrandchildren, Matthew Ashbaugh and Ethan Ashbaugh, Olivia, Meredith and Katherine Ashbaugh and Chance Balis; and was preceded in death by Logan Ashbaugh.
Jerry graduated from Rochester High School and was active in both the symphony and the marching bands, the Beaver Valley Chapter of DeMolay and the American Legion Sports program. He graduated from Allegheny College where he lettered in track and earned his B.A. in 1958 with a major in Political Science and a minor in Business. He was an active member of the Alpha chapter of Delta Tau Delta and quarterbacked the fraternity’s football team his Junior and Senior year. Jerry received a fellowship to the Fels Institute of Government Studies, a division of the Wharton Graduate School at the University of Pennsylvania.
After a brief time with the U.S. Army, he joined the Pittsburgh firm McKelvy and Company, member firm of the New York Stock Exchange and a predecessor firm of Parker/Hunter Incorporated where he remained until his retirement in January 2000. During his years at Parker/Hunter, he formed relationships with clients that transcended business. Jerry completed a three-year securities program through the Securities Industry Association and was appointed to Parker/Hunter’s Board of Directors in 1980. He formed the original Stirling Group and it continues now at Janney Montgomery Scott, LLC managed by his son Douglas.
Enjoying a good bottle of wine at the end of a day turned into membership in the very old international Chaine des Rotisseurs which Jerry and Barbara both enjoyed for a number of years. It is hard to convey their enthusiasm for travel; often celebrating both Advent and Chrismas in Germany and Austria savoring the Weihnachtmarkts. And always, always wanting to go “just one more time”. It was a passion that introduced them to “Carpe Diem” and they found new dreams that fit their capacities like circling the British Isles, ancestral home to both of their families and the genealogical heart for both of them. Silent night, Holy Night, Stille Nacht, Heilige Nacht.
Jerry was a board member for both profit and non-profit organizations including, First Pennsylvania Savings and Loan, Northland Public Library and St. Barnabas Retirement Village, Gibsonia. He was President of the North Suburban Lions Club and served on the Board of Commissioners for the Town of McCandless.
Jerry was a member of the Williamsburg Presbyterian Church and remained an affiliate member of First Presbyterian Church of Pittsburgh, PA. He was also a member of the Duquesne Club, Pittsburgh, PA.
John Lobingier, a cousin, said of Jerry that “he faced life with both grace and tenacity.” He did indeed. A memorial Service will be held on Thursday, November 1st at Williamsburg Presbyterian Church at 2 pm. Another will take place in Pittsburgh at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a memorial contribution to Williamsburg Presbyterian Church, 215 Richmond Road, Williamsburg, VA 23185, the First Presbyterian Church, 320 Sixth Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15222, and Brother’s Brother, 1200 Galveston Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15233, or a charity of one’s choice.
